Loren
(Larry) Cooper ~ Accordion, Harp
Less
Frye ~ Saxophone
Jeff
Morales ~ Guitar
? ~
Guitar
All Members of the Band
This band was based out of Kettle Falls, WA and played the Jazz Swing of the times. They also played some Country but loved the Big Band sounds.The Name "Larry and the Troubadour's" was used because, back then, the name Loren was not heard very much and was hard for people to remember or spell, so Loren's name was changed to Larry for the band.
They were the house band at "Freddie's Tavern" but they played all over North Eastern Washington as well. They also had a radio show where they went by the name of "The KOL Radio Band". After playing their jobs they would often head for Cooper's farmhouse where they had late hour jam sessions and cars would line the highway for blocks as folks came to listen.
To get the accordion in this picture it looks like they had Les Fry holding it for the shot. When friends would come to the Cooper's house for a meal, the accordion case would be used as an extra chair at the table.
All members of the band were top notch musicians and at one time, after the band was heard by the "Lawrence Welk Radio Orchestra", Loren was asked to join their group to play the accordion for them. He turned down this opportunity, fearing that he wouldn't be able to take care of his family on musician's pay alone.
Earl (Skip) Cooper , December 2010